FEATURE: A Comic Book History Of The TEXAS CHAINSAW Franchise

After taking the North American box office by storm this past weekend, we thought now would be as good a time as any to mark the release of Texas Chainsaw 3D by looking back at the history of the franchise in comic books. Check it out!

We like to cover the odd horror movie here on CBM, but you may be surprised by just how many connections The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has to the world of comic books! Since the release of the original film in 1974 (rightly considered a classic by horror fans), there have been several comic books published which have somehow been linked to the beloved franchise. Leatherface last made an appearance in them way back in 2007, but with plans for a whole new series of films, now might just be a good time to start brushing up on you knowledge of his comic book exploits. So, to coincide with the release of Texas Chainsaw 3D (the trailer for which can be viewed below) here is a look back at some of the most well-known comic book spin-off's.

Northstar Comics - Leatherface

Based loosely on the third instalment in the franchise (Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III), this series actually took inspiration from David Schow's original script for the film. This meant that writer Mort Castle was able to tell a far more violent tale due to not having to worry about any studio interference - the film was heavily cut for its theatrical release - or restrictions from the MPAA. However, it also meant that both the ending and the fates of several characters differed. Regardless of these changes, issue #1 still sold over 30,000 copies!

Topps Comics - Jason vs. Leatherface

That's right, not only has Jason Voorhees battled it out with Freddy Krueger, but he once crossed paths with Leatherface too! While it's not considered to be canon, the Nancy A. Collins penned series saw the Friday the 13th character find his way to Texas where he, well, befriended Letherface and his inbred family! Things did of course end up taking a turn for the worse as the two turned on each other and Jason was seemingly killed by the family after a blow to the head from a sledgehammer. However, while he survived, their "friendship" most certainly didn't!

Avatar Press - Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Several prequel comic books were published to coincide with the release of 2003's Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake and those who contributed to these included well-known Marvel and DC writers such as Brian Pulido (Superman) and Antony Johnston (Daredevil).

WildStorm Comics - Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Avatar Press eventually lost the rights to publish comic books based on the franchise, so WildStorm picked them up and tasked Guardians of the Galaxy co-writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning to pen a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre ongoing series. Set in the same universe as the 2003 remake, it served as a sequel of sorts by picking up a year after the events of that film. However, this was eventually cancelled in order to make way for numerous one-shots and limited series' which continued fleshing out the universe. Leatherface last made his appearance in the pages of a comic book back in 2007 in a story which also featured Freddy Krueger; New Line Cinema's Tales of Horror.

Lionsgate’s TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D continues the legendary story of the homicidal Sawyer family, picking up where Tobe Hooper’s 1974 horror classic left off in Newt, Texas, where for decades people went missing without a trace. The townspeople long suspected the Sawyer family, owners of a local barbeque pit, were somehow responsible. Their suspicions were finally confirmed one hot summer day when a young woman escaped the Sawyer house following the brutal murders of her four friends. Word around the small town quickly spread, and a vigilante mob of enraged locals surrounded the Sawyer stronghold, burning it to the ground and killing every last member of the family – or so they thought.

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